Red Sea MAX - Food Types

Red Sea MAX User Manual
Calcium
As mentioned above, corals primarily use calcium carbonate to
form their skeletons. Most of the calcium comes from the
surrounding water. Consequently, aquariums with growing
coral, calcareous red algae, tridacnids and halimeda become
rapidly depleted of calcium. Once the calcium level drops
below 360 ppm, corals can no longer absorb enough of it, and
they stop growing. Therefore, keep the calcium level at 380-
450 ppm. Higher levels, although they do not adversely affect
the coral, do increase the likelihood of decreased alkalinity.
Always monitor alkalinity when adding calcium. For optimum
balance, use Red Sea Success Calcium and Red Sea Success
Buff together.
For long-term calcium management, use a product such as
Red Sea Success Calk. As a result of continuous research into
hard coral growth, Red Sea developed this superior alternative
to kalkwasser, calcium reactors and calcium chloride
supplements. Success Calk safely and simply replenishes the
calcium and carbonate as the corals remove them from the
water. To determine proper dosage for these treatments,
monitor the calcium and alkalinity using test kits.
Magnesium
Magnesium's primary importance lies in its effect on the
alkalinity/calcium balance in reef aquariums. Some corals and
coralline algae deplete magnesium by absorbing it into their
growing skeletons.
Seawater and reef aquarium water ideally have calcium
carbonate at super-saturation levels. This naturally causes
calcium to precipitate out of solution, forming crystals.
Magnesium binds to these crystals, effectively blocking their
surface and preventing further growth that would otherwise
pull more calcium out of the solution. This helps keep calcium
and alkalinity at natural levels.
You should maintain magnesium levels of 1200-1400 ppm.
We recommend using Red Sea SUCCESS Magnesium
supplement to bring the concentration up to par.
Phosphate
Inorganic orthophosphate occurs in aquariums in several
chemical forms (H
3
PO
4
, H
2
PO
4
-
, HPO
4
-2
, and PO
4
-3
). Most test
kits measure this form of phosphate; it will typically
accumulate in reef aquariums. These phosphates enter the
aquarium with food, added water and some methods of
calcium and alkalinity supplementation.
If allowed to accumulate above natural levels, phosphates can
present two problems:
• Calcification inhibition
• Algae growth
For these reasons, keep the phosphate below 0.03 ppm. To
accomplish this, incorporate periodic water changes, good
skimming, balanced feeding and proper maintenance.
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